HELEN WINONA PRINCE

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Helen Winona Prince passed away unexpectedly March 7, 2008, in San Jose, Calif. The daughter of Donald and Lenore Mowrer of Parma, Mich., Helen was born Feb. 23, 1924, in Jackson, Mich. After an Air Force career, which led them to many parts of the world, Col. and Mrs. Prince decided to make their home in Bloomington/Normal, Ill. With her degree in religious education from Bangor Theological Seminary, Helen worked as director of Christian education at a number of churches throughout the years, including The First Presbyterian Church, Normal, Ill. Helen was also an active volunteer in a myriad of organizations. She was a telephone crisis counselor for many years in Normal, Ill., and was recognized as McLean County Volunteer of the Year. She was actively involved in Amnesty International, a reading program for mothers in jail, and was a member of United Nations Association and Bread for the World. Helen never stopped campaigning for peace and understanding between nations. She and her husband hosted many exchange students and spent time in Russia as part of a sister-city program. They also spent a year as Volunteers in Mission at the Menaul Indian School, Albuquerque, N.M. In 2004, Col. and Mrs. Prince “retired” again, to the Villages in San Jose, Calif., to be near many of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen never lost interest in the betterment of our world and was active right up until the short illness that took her life. She was a great role model for her family and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert. E. Prince; her four children, Melody, Marilyn, Bonnie and Philip; and her brother, Paul Mowrer. Helen also leaves 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was laid to rest March 17 at Rest Haven Cemetery near Charleston, Ill., the birthplace of her husband. A memorial service celebrating her life was held the first weekend in April, at the Villages, San Jose, Calif. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Helen’s name to UNICEF, Amnesty International or the Parkinson’s Foundation.